Nottingham Forest face Derby County tonight looking to continue an unbeaten run over their rivals that has stretched beyond three years.
The Reds have won and drawn during Chris Hughton’s first two games in charge and they’ll want to get some more points on the board this evening.
Forest could have scored three or four against Rotherham on Tuesday, missing a host of chances to kill off the opposition.
They’ll want to kick on tonight with the Rams now in the firing line.
Ahead of this evening’s game, we looked at the team that Hughton could go with against Philip Cocu’s men.
In goal and back four
Brice Samba is yet to concede from open play under Hughton and his distribution has looked very good during the opening two games under the new boss.
It seems unlikely that the back four will change much, with Hughton already adopting a settled feel to his defensive unit.
Cyrus Christie, a former Derby player, will keep his place at right-back, whilst Nicholas Ioannou should start at left-back.
(Photo; Alex Pantling; Getty Images)
The central defensive partnership of Tobias Figueiredo and Scott McKenna already looks a nice choice by Hughton.
Both players appear to complement each other and both should start in tandem at the City Ground.
Midfield
Summer signing Harry Arter has changed both of Hughton’s games in charge after being introduced from the bench.
Surely the former Bournemouth man is edging closer to a start and this could be his moment.
(Photo; Jon Hobley; MI News; NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Alongside him, Hughton is likely to go with Ryan Yates who has arguably been just better than Jack Colback during the last two contests.
Colback has looked a little rusty so far this season having spent a year without playing football.
He could miss out on derby-day.
In attack
There are a few decisions for Hughton to make in attack ahead of the game with Derby.
Following Luke Freeman’s withdrawal in the week Forest started to create far more in the way of clear-cut opportunities.
That is no slight on the on-loan Sheffield United man but it asks the question of whether Hughton will utilise a No.10.
From the off, he probably will and Freeman should keep his place, with Lewis Grabban once again getting the nod in attack.
(Photo; Jon Hobley; MI News; NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Reds talisman missed a sitter on Tuesday but Hughton has spoken in the press about the importance of his talisman and he will probably start again.
On the flanks, there could be one change, however,
Joe Lolley has looked in fine form and should start on the left and Anthony Knockaert could come in for his debut on the right-hand side.
Here is how Hughton might line-up this evening…
